Abstract

The main aim of this article is to reconsider the concept of "scientific revolution" in the sense of Thomas S. Kuhn in the perspective of the contemporary historiography of science. Thirty five years ago Kuhn's contribution was considered the starting point of the new studies in the sociology of science. Kuhn's last writings show a complete divergence with the most influential approach in contemporary sociology of science, i.e. the so called "strong program". The paper analyzes these last writings in order to show that the way forward suggested by the author is unconvincing, but also develops a criticism of some central aspects of the "strong program", in particular concerning its "solipsistic" attitude and its approach to the problem of ethics.